Musical to be movie

Press, 16 December 1988, Page 38

Musical to be movie

NZPA-AP Los Angeles The international stage hit “Les Miserables” will be made into a movie, with Alan Parker set to direct, Tri-Star Pictures has announced. “I want to forget the play and start again, yet I am totally impressed and inspired by it,” said Parker, who directed the movie, “Mississippi Burning.” . “The beauty of the musical score is that it tells the story quite clearly.” The play is based on Victor Hugo’s classic

novel about social injustice in revolutionary France. “We are looking to Alan Parker to find a completely cinematic approach to the material,” said the producer of the stage production, Cameron Mackintosh. “What is on stage could not possibly be put on screen as it is. “I' am sure Alan will reinterpret it, but the basic premise and music will stay.” There are 13 productions of “Les Miserables” world wide, with 12 scheduled to open in the

next 18 months. Having just debuted in Florida, the play will open in Toronto in March, followed by openings in Poland, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Mexico, Spain and Turkey. Robert Colesberry, who produced “Mississippi Burning,” will serve as producer on the movie. “Les Miserables” is expected to go before the cameras in early 1991, with filming tentatively set in Europe. No casting decisions had been made, Parker said.